Bridge

Back in October we used the excuse of the National Garden Scheme open days to visit The Watergardens which is out towards Kingston. There is 9 acres with ponds, streams and waterfalls and many rare trees and, of course, the Japanese style bridges and pagodas. We enjoyed it so much last time that, when I saw their spring opening date advertised, I was more than happy to get a ticket. And this time we managed to grab one in advance so that we were not worried about gaining entry. 

We were a little early and the gardens were not open when we arrived so we sat on some benches just inside the grounds of Warren House Hotel. We were joined on the benches by a couple of very well-dressed people who had Nando’s food delivered to the gate. I suspect they were part of a band that was playing at a party at the hotel, but I can’t be sure.

As we sat on the benches I watched a very large group of people walk past the gates and deduced that this was some kind of organised trip that was visiting The Water Gardens.  It turned out I was right and we ended up behind a large party going through the gates. In the end, many of them were getting more of a guided tour and so we were able to visit the gardens in relative peace: although I do think this time it was a little busier.  In the spring the colours were different and the garden did feel more alive but the centre piece structures - bridges and fountains - remained. It’s remarkable how thing kind of bridge (and the reflection) always catches my eye.

On the way out we were greeted by one of the two gardeners who maintain the grounds and he recognised us from last time, which was nice. We then took a walk into Kingston for some food - we ended up a Yo Sushi in the Bengal Centre just before they closed - and very little shopping.

In the end we were back for about 6pm.